Planning for a Cardiac Procedure

In certain cases, doctors may recommend an interventional diagnostic treatment or procedure. Recognizing that these procedures may be stressful, Greenwich Hospital’s staff provides specialized individual attention to all cardiac patients before, during and after their stay.

Personal Guidance

Patient support includes organizing preoperative tests and admission procedures, making discharge arrangements, organizing home care and cardiac rehabilitation services and helping patients to understand insurance benefits.

Planning for a Cardiac Procedure

Greenwich Hospital’s preadmission program works with patients and families to ensure that admission, discharge and aftercare go smoothly.

Preadmission

A preadmission nurse conducts preoperative interviews by telephone with all patients scheduled for procedures. The nurse explains:

• What the procedure involves
• How to prepare for the procedure
• What to expect during the hospital stay
• How to prepare for returning home, follow-up cardiac rehabilitation as needed

The nurse makes sure that all the necessary preoperative tests have been done and conducts a complete review of the patient’s medical history. Any needs the patient has, such as translation services or transportation, are discussed.

More on Patient services at Greenwich Hospital

More about Admitting

Discharge Planning

Discharge planning for cardiac procedure patients begins before the procedure, with the preadmission interview. Individual needs are discussed, including plans for cardiac rehabilitation, if necessary.

Most cardiac catheterization procedures are "same day" procedures. Patients who do not stay in the hospital overnight receive discharge instructions during the preadmission phone interview. They will receive them again after they are admitted to the hospital.

Patients who stay longer will review discharge information with the care team during their hospital stay. An individualized plan will be developed, often in collaboration with physicians, nurses, case managers and others to address varied patient needs. These include transportation, support services, home care, medication management and cardiac rehabilitation referrals.

A case manager works directly with patients to review their insurance benefits. The case manager will also recommend post-discharge treatment options based on the patient’s insurance coverage.

To learn more about discharge procedures

To contact the cardiovascular surgery preadmission nurse, please call 203-863-3629. To contact case management please call 203-863-3336.

Billing and Payment

Discharge planning includes helping patients fully understand the billing process to plan for payment. Case managers work closely with patients to clarify insurance benefits eligibility.

Patients may receive separate bills from providers other than the hospital. These may include physicians, such as the radiologist and anesthesiologist, and the laboratory.

Learn more about billing and how to pay your bill online